Which is the only unit that flies the MH-47 special operations helicopters?

The MH-47s are heavy-lift, long-range helicopters derived from the Chinook and fitted out for special operations: an in-flight refueling capability, a fast-rope insertion system, and other mission-specific equipment depending on the task at hand. They are flown exclusively by the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) of the United States Army.

The MH-47s carry out infiltrations and extractions, both overt and clandestine, air assaults, resupply runs, and the transport of externally slung loads across a wide range of environmental conditions. The combination of range, payload capacity, and navigation instrumentation makes them the heavy-lift transport of choice for American special operations forces.

Before the arrival of the MH-47D and the MH-47E, the U.S. Army's special operations aviation units flew 12 CH-47Cs that had been modified to fly with night-vision goggles. These aircraft came from the 101st Airborne Division in 1980 and were assigned to Task Force 158, the predecessor of the 160th Aviation Battalion, which over time grew into today's regiment. They entered active service in 1981, and their primary mission was forward-area fuel resupply using austere, improvised means. Besides the night-vision goggles, they were fitted with altimeters, navigation and communication equipment, and four fuel tanks taken from M49C tanker trucks, which is why they are considered the direct precursors of the MH-47.